ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent 

a-

1

a

: the act of rising or mounting upward : climb

completed their ascent of the mountain

b

: an upward slope or rising grade : acclivity

followed the steep ascent to the top of the hill

c

: the degree of elevation : inclination, gradient

2

: an advance in social status or reputation : progress

their ascent from the lower class to the middle class

3

: a going back in time or upward in order of genealogical succession

Synonyms of ascent

• climb
• ascension

Examples of ascent in a Sentence

They followed a steep ascent to the top of the hill.

our plane broke through some heavy low clouds during its ascent and leveled off once we were above them

Recent Examples on the Web

Rissetto's relaxed style has been a key ingredient to her ascent in America's food fights. — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 June 2026

But the 5-year-old Shell’s status as a nearly year-round concert and live events site has grown hand-in-hand with its swift ascent as a San Diego landmark that is prominently featured in tourism marketing campaigns for the city and the region. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026

The vehicle uses all six during ascent, but only a single sea-level engine during the final phase of its landing burn. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 June 2026

Following a remarkable ascent, NVIDIA (NVDA) shares have cooled. — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

irregular from ascend

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for ascent

• accent
• advent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event
• extent

Kids Definition

ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent 

a-

1

: the act of rising or climbing up

began their ascent of the mountain

2

: an upward slope